Lactation Counseling
(Coming Soon)
At FWHW we believe that being safely fed is best (regardless if a baby is breast fed, bottle fed, or a combination of both), and we offer specialized support for moms as they navigate feeding concerns. Breastfeeding can be a beautiful experience that offers many health benefits including providing immune-boosting antibodies to the baby, decreasing the risk of breast and ovarian cancers for the mom, and creating a unique bonding experience for them together. However, it often involves unanticipated challenges that may require support from a specialist.
Who is Lactation Counseling For?
Any mom who wants skilled care to navigate:
​
-
Latch difficulty
-
Fussiness related to feedings
-
Slow weight gain
-
Milk supply concerns
-
Need for supplemental feedings
-
Sore/damaged nipples
-
Breast engorgement
-
Plugged ducts/mastitis
-
Pumping and self-expressing strategies
-
Storing breastmilk
-
Use of different breastfeeding and pumping equipment
-
Weaning advice
​
Initial Assessment
​
Your initial appointment is a one hour session in a comfortable, private room in which our IBCLC will assess both you and your baby. She will interview you and observe a feeding to assess:
​
-
Baby's feeding and medical history
-
Baby's weight
-
Baby's latch
-
Baby's breathing and swallowing
-
Baby's feeding and hunger signs/cues
-
Mom's symptoms (i.e., damaged nipples, breast engorgement, etc.)
-
Breastfeeding positions
​
After her assessment, she will make specific recommendations for you and your baby to increase success with feedings, and will practice her suggested strategies with you to ensure you feel comfortable and confident implementing them at home. Sometimes the initial assessment is all that is needed to improve the breastfeeding experience for you and your baby. Other times it is beneficial to have follow-up visits.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Follow-Up Visits
​Each follow-up visit will begin with a dialogue with you about what is going well and what you are hoping to still improve. Our IBCLC will carefully reassess a feeding and update recommendations based on her findings.
​
​
In-Home Sessions
Sometimes it can be quite difficult to get out of the house with a newborn in the early post-partum days. Our IBCLC is able to perform initial assessments and follow-up visits in the comfort of your own home. In-home sessions are not only convenient, but also a practical means of practicing breastfeeding strategies in your natural environment.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​